Rare's Everwild Dev Update from Xbox Boss Spencer

Everwild's Development: An Update from Xbox

Over five years after its initial announcement at Microsoft's X019, Rare's Everwild remains shrouded in mystery. Repeated absences from Xbox showcases and swirling reboot rumors have fueled speculation about its fate. However, Xbox head Phil Spencer has confirmed the game is still in development.

In a recent interview with XboxEra, Spencer expressed his excitement for Everwild, highlighting a recent visit to Rare Studios in the UK to assess the game's progress. He emphasized Microsoft's ability to provide development teams, including those behind Everwild, State of Decay, and the next Double Fine project, with the necessary time, even with a busy release schedule fueled by acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. Spencer's comments suggest a commitment to allowing these titles the time needed for proper development.

Everwild's journey has faced challenges. Rumors of a reboot (denied by Microsoft) and the departure of creative director Simon Woodroffe in 2020 raised concerns. However, veteran designer Gregg Mayles (known for his work on Donkey Kong Country, Banjo-Kazooie, Viva Pinata, and Sea of Thieves) stepped in to lead the project.

While early reports described Everwild as a third-person adventure game with god game elements, its prolonged development suggests potential shifts in its design. The last trailer, from July 2020, simply described it as "a brand new IP from Rare. A unique and unforgettable experience await in a natural and magical world."

With a vast portfolio of games in development, including Perfect Dark, the next Halo installment, Playground Games' Fable, Bethesda's Elder Scrolls VI, and Activision's annual Call of Duty release, Microsoft's commitment to Everwild's eventual release remains a key question. The upcoming May launch of id Software's Doom: The Dark Ages further highlights the breadth of Microsoft's upcoming releases. The future of Everwild, however, remains to be seen.